{"id":609,"date":"2018-12-18T23:23:05","date_gmt":"2018-12-18T23:23:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/?page_id=609"},"modified":"2026-07-03T19:13:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T19:13:02","slug":"pancreatic-cancer-treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/treatment\/pancreatic-cancer-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Pancreatic Cancer Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":367,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-609","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"<h2>Comprehensive Care for Pancreatic Cancer<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_803\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-803\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/colorectal-and-colon-cancer-multidisciplinary-care-team.jpg\" alt=\"GI-and-pancreatic-cancer-multidisciplinary-care-team-saint-johns-cancer-institute\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/colorectal-and-colon-cancer-multidisciplinary-care-team.jpg 956w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/colorectal-and-colon-cancer-multidisciplinary-care-team-300x136.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/colorectal-and-colon-cancer-multidisciplinary-care-team-768x347.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/colorectal-and-colon-cancer-multidisciplinary-care-team-100x45.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 956px) 100vw, 956px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-803\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A multidisciplinary team, including radiation oncolgy, surgical oncology, and medical oncology, are  essential to maximize patient outcomes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"font-size:24px; line-height:30px; color:#042f72; font-weight:500; letter-spacing:-0.5\">At the Saint John\u2019s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California, we are continuously test new innovative therapies and diagnostic methods for pancreatic cancers. <\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:24px; line-height:30px; color:#042f72; font-weight:500; letter-spacing:-0.5\">The gastrointestinal team at Saint John\u2019s Health Center is highly experienced, treating thousands of patients each year for a variety of gastrointestinal tumors and pancreatic cancers using minimally invasive techniques such as robot-assisted surgery. <\/p>\n<div style=\"float:none;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<h3>About Pancreas Cancer Treatment<\/h3>\n<p>Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly malignancies, posing significant challenges for effective treatment. Minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgery and interventions such as the Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, and total pancreatectomy have expanded the options for curative treatment in localized cases. This disease is often diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting the potential for curative interventions. However, advancements in surgical techniques, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_821\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-821\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/pancreas-cancer-evaluation.jpg\" alt=\"Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-821\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/pancreas-cancer-evaluation.jpg 449w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/pancreas-cancer-evaluation-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/pancreas-cancer-evaluation-100x73.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-821\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Your overall health, type of cancer, and treatment preferences will help guide the course of treatment.<\/figcaption><\/figure><strong>Before a treatment plan cancer be developed for pancreatic cancer, we will take the following into account: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"line-height:20px!important\">\n<li>Your age, overall health, and medical history <\/li>\n<li>Location and extent of the disease <\/li>\n<li>Type of cancer <\/li>\n<li>Your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies <\/li>\n<li>Expectations for the course of the disease <\/li>\n<li>Your preferences for treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"text-align: center!important;padding-bottom: 0px;margin-top:30px\">\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-size: 30px!important;line-height: 34px!important;letter-spacing: -1.5px;text-align: center\">The management of pancreatic cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy to achieve the best possible outcomes. With recent advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative care, we aim to enhance the quality of life for patients and extend survival rates.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;padding-right: 5%;margin-bottom: 25px;margin-top:0px\">&#8211; Dr. Anton Bilchik <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"<h2 style=\"margin-top:-40px\">Pancreatic Cancer Treatment<\/h2>\n<p>Depending on the type of pancreatic cancer and its stage, it may be treated with one or more of the following:<\/p>\n<h3>Surgery<\/h3>\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_813\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-813\" style=\"width: 360px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-top:-15px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/robot-assisted-surgery-for-liver-cancer.jpg\" alt=\"robot-assisted surgery for pancreatic cancers\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-813\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/robot-assisted-surgery-for-liver-cancer.jpg 848w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/robot-assisted-surgery-for-liver-cancer-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/robot-assisted-surgery-for-liver-cancer-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/robot-assisted-surgery-for-liver-cancer-100x71.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 848px) 100vw, 848px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-813\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Robot-assisted surgery for pancreas cancer provides a minimally invasive approach that results in faster recovery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>Surgery, the most effective treatment may be necessary to remove the entire tumor, a section, or occasionally the entire pancreas. The type of surgery performed depends on the stage of the pancreatic cancer, the location and size of the tumor, and your overall health.<\/p>\n<p>Our surgeons have extensive experience operating on the pancreas. These operations, because of their complexity, should be done at Centers of Distinction, of which the Saint John\u2019s Cancer Institute is one. Blood transfusion and admission to the intensive care unit are rarely required. Most patients can eat soon after surgery and generally leave the hospital in less than one week. The surgeons also have extensive experience in performing pancreas surgeries using minimally invasive techniques, including robot-assisted surgery, resulting in less pain for the patient, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker recovery.<\/p>\n<div style=\"float:none; width:100%; height:70px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left:3%\">\n<h4>Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)<\/h4>\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_883\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-883\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/Whipple-procedure-diagram-before-and-after-Saint-Johns-Cancer-Institute.png\" alt=\"Whipple procedure diagram - before and after - Saint John&#039;s Cancer Institute\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-883\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/Whipple-procedure-diagram-before-and-after-Saint-Johns-Cancer-Institute.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/Whipple-procedure-diagram-before-and-after-Saint-Johns-Cancer-Institute-250x300.png 250w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/Whipple-procedure-diagram-before-and-after-Saint-Johns-Cancer-Institute-853x1024.png 853w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/Whipple-procedure-diagram-before-and-after-Saint-Johns-Cancer-Institute-768x922.png 768w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/Whipple-procedure-diagram-before-and-after-Saint-Johns-Cancer-Institute-100x120.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-883\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Though the Whipple procedure is uncommon, it is common for treatment involving removal of the head of the pancreas.<\/figcaption><\/figure>The Whipple procedure is the most common approach for resectable tumors (removable with surgery) in the head of the pancreas. It involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, part of the common bile duct, a portion of the duodenum, and sometimes a small section of the stomach. The remaining parts are then reconnected to maintain digestive continuity. This intricate surgery is complex and requires a highly skilled surgical team. It offers the best chance for cure in localized cases.<\/p>\n<h4>Distal Pancreatectomy<\/h4>\n<p>For tumors located in the body or tail of the pancreas, a distal pancreatectomy may be performed. This surgery involves the removal of the body and tail of the pancreas, and sometimes the spleen, if necessary. Distal pancreatectomy is often considered for tumors that have not spread to the head of the pancreas or other adjacent organs.<\/p>\n<h4>Total Pancreatectomy<\/h4>\n<p>Total pancreatectomy involves the complete removal of the pancreas, along with the spleen, gallbladder, and common bile duct. This procedure is reserved for cases where the cancer has extensively spread throughout the pancreas or in selected cases of high-risk genetic syndromes associated with pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n<h4>Palliative Surgery:<\/h4>\n<p>In advanced cases where the tumor is not amenable to curative surgical interventions, palliative surgery can help alleviate symptoms and improve the patient&#8217;s quality of life. Palliative surgery aims to bypass blocked bile ducts or stomach outlet obstruction caused by the tumor. It can provide relief from jaundice, pain, and other symptoms, enhancing the patient&#8217;s overall well-being.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"float:none; width:100%; height:60px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_825\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-825\" style=\"width: 360px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/08\/External-beam-radiation-therapy-for-pancreatic-cancer.jpg\" alt=\"External beam radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/08\/External-beam-radiation-therapy-for-pancreatic-cancer.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/08\/External-beam-radiation-therapy-for-pancreatic-cancer-300x257.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/08\/External-beam-radiation-therapy-for-pancreatic-cancer-100x86.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-825\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">External beam radiation therapy uses imaging to precisely target the tumor, concentrating treatment to cancer cells.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer:<\/h3>\n<p>Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in the multidisciplinary management of pancreatic cancer. It involves the use of high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation) to enhance the treatment&#8217;s effectiveness.<\/p>\n<p>External beam radiation therapy is delivered from a machine that moves around that patient while laying down. As it rotates, it directs radiation to specific points predetermined by the radiation oncologist, maximizing the dose to the cancer while avoiding healthy tissues and structures. Radiation can be delivered in a single dose or over several weeks, depending on the treatment plan. <\/p>\n<h3>Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer:<\/h3>\n<p>Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that utilizes drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. It is often used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy to improve outcomes. For patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy may be the primary treatment option to help control the disease and alleviate symptoms.<\/p>\n<h3>Medication for Pain Management:<\/h3>\n<p>Pancreatic cancer can cause severe pain due to tumor growth and invasion of nearby structures. Pain management is a critical aspect of patient care. Various medications are used to manage pain, including opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and nerve blocks. In some cases, palliative surgical procedures, like celiac plexus block, may be performed to relieve pain by blocking the nerves transmitting pain signals from the pancreas.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center!important;padding-bottom: 0px;margin-top:25px; padding-left:10%; padding-right:10%\">\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-size: 30px!important;line-height: 34px!important;letter-spacing: -1.5px;text-align: center\">&#8220;Dr. Google&#8221; can be wrong 70 to 80 percent of the time when you try and look up what you think you may have.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;padding-right: 5%;margin-bottom: 25px;margin-top:0px\">&#8211; Dr. Anton Bilchik <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left:3%\">\n<h4>Questions to ask your doctor about pancreas cancer<\/h4>\n<p>You should have a good understanding of what expect at your first appointment with either the surgical oncologist or the medical oncologist. It is important to think about your questions beforehand and perhaps make a list. It is also helpful bring a family member or friend.  You can ask to record the conversation, which helps with recollection.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-left:3%\">\n<h5 style=\"margin-bottom:-15px; font-size:20px; line-height:24px\">Are you sure this is a pancreas cancer and not a different kind of cancer?<\/h5>\n<p>Sometimes cancer can spread to the pancreas from another organ or part of the body, which is not pancreas cancer. <\/p>\n<h5 style=\"margin-bottom:-15px; font-size:20px; line-height:24px\">Do I need additional tests or imaging?<\/h5>\n<p>Tests, including a biopsy, are needed for a definitive diagnosis. Our pathology team can quickly determine the type of pancreas cancer, or if it is a benign (non-cancerous) condition.<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"margin-bottom:-15px; font-size:20px; line-height:24px\">What are the chances that this can be surgically removed versus needing chemotherapy or radiation?<\/h5>\n<p>Depending on the circumstance of the tumor and its location, surgery may be the primary treatment.\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_799\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-799\" style=\"width: 250px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-top:-10px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/5-star-americas-best-surgical-care-saint-johns-health-center.png\" alt=\"5-star-americas-best-surgical-care-saint-johns-health-center\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/5-star-americas-best-surgical-care-saint-johns-health-center.png 1001w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/5-star-americas-best-surgical-care-saint-johns-health-center-281x300.png 281w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/5-star-americas-best-surgical-care-saint-johns-health-center-958x1024.png 958w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/5-star-americas-best-surgical-care-saint-johns-health-center-768x821.png 768w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/07\/5-star-americas-best-surgical-care-saint-johns-health-center-100x107.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-799\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Healthgrades&#8217; 2023 surgical award for Saint John&#8217;s Health Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"font-size:26px;line-height:32px;font-weight:bold;color:#042f72;margin-top:60px!important\">Our surgical oncologists are training the next generation of surgeons in minimally invasive robotic surgery, preparing tomorrow&#8217;s experts in a multidisciplinary, advanced surgical approach to care. Saint Johns has been recognized as Healthgrades America\u2019s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Care. Call today to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of pancreas cancer. Our multi-disciplinary team is ready to support you.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width:100%; height:50px:>&nbsp;<\/div>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"bg-gray-l","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_two_column","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content_left":"<p style=\"font-size: 36px;line-height: 40px;font-weight: bold;color: #fff!important\">If you have questions regarding Pancreatic Cancer or treatment, please call today. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/contact-us\/?center=Minimally%20Invasive%20Chest%20Surgery%20and%20Thoracic%20Surgical%20Oncology\"><u>Click here<\/u><\/a> to request an appointment.<\/p>\n","layer_content_right":"<p style=\"font-size: 40px;font-weight: bold;text-align: center;padding-top:40px\"><a href=\"tel:310-449-5206\">310-449-5206<\/a><\/p>\n","layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"bg-orange","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_people","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"Pancreatic Cancer Doctors","layer_intro":"","people":{"847":{"id":847,"title":"Anton J. Bilchik, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, FACS"},"850":{"id":850,"title":"Tracey Childs, MD, MPH, FACS"},"853":{"id":853,"title":"Leland J. Foshag, M.D."},"852":{"id":852,"title":"Trevan Fischer, MD"},"851":{"id":851,"title":"Sean Fischer, M.D."},"869":{"id":869,"title":"Timothy Kristedja, M.D., MPH"},"894":{"id":894,"title":"Robert Wollman, MD"}},"layer_people_more_link":"","layer_background_color":"bg-gray-l","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"<h3 style=\"margin-top:-40px\">Webinar on Pancreatic Cancer<\/h3>\n<p>Listen to Anton J. Bilchik, MD, Chief of General Surgery, Director of Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program, explain pancreatic surgery with his patient, Bonnie, a pancreatic cancer survivor. Dr. Bilchik offers key questions to ask your doctor.<\/p>\n<p><code><\/p>\n<style>\n.container1 {\nposition: relative!important; overflow: hidden!important; width: 80%!important; padding-top: 48%!important; margin-left:10%;\n}\n.responsive-iframe {\nposition: absolute!important; top: 0!important; left: 0!important; bottom: 0!important; right: 0!important; width: 90%!important; height: 90%!important;\n}\n<\/style>\n<p><\/code><\/p>\n<div class=\"container1\">\n  <iframe class=\"responsive-iframe\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ly3XTQKd1wA?si=UCcGX6ZyrYrrwXzK?rel=0&amp;frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; padding-left:10%; padding-right:10%\" align=\"center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;font-size: 14px;line-height: 14px;margin-top: 15px;color: #101010\">Pancreatic Cancer: Answers to common questions with special guest, Bonnie, Pancreas Cancer Survivor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"bg-gray-l","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_featured_blog_items","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"More from our Blog","layer_intro":"","layer_featuredblog_col_width":"quarters","layer_featuredblog_pullbycat":"blog","layer_featuredblog_selectblogcat":["gastrointestinal"],"layer_featuredblog_selectblogauth":[],"layer_featuredblog_more_link":"","layer_background_color":"bg-gray-l","layer_id":""}],"int_alt_page_title":"","int_page_description":"","int_masthead_image":false,"int_page_icon":"","int_secondary_cta_override":false,"int_secondary_cta_is_hidden":false,"header_scripts":"{\r\n   \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n   \"@graph\": [\r\n      {\r\n         \"@type\": \"MedicalWebPage\",\r\n         \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/treatment\/pancreatic-cancer-treatment\/\",\r\n         \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/treatment\/pancreatic-cancer-treatment\/#MedicalWebPage\",\r\n         \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\",\r\n         \"significantLink\": \"\",\r\n         \"specialty\": \"Gastrointestinal\",\r\n         \"mentions\": [\r\n            {\r\n               \"@type\": \"Physician\",\r\n               \"name\": [\r\n                  \"Anton J. 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The type of surgery performed depends on the stage of the pancreatic cancer, the location and size of the tumor, and your overall health.\"\r\n               },\r\n               {\r\n                  \"@type\": \"MedicalTherapy\",\r\n                  \"name\": \"external Radiation\",\r\n                  \"description\": \"Radiation treatment, administered by a radiation therapist, sends high levels of radiation precisely and directly to the cancer cells. Since radiation is used to kill cancer cells and to shrink tumors, special shields may be used to protect the tissue surrounding the treatment area. Radiation treatments are painless and usually last a few minutes. Radiation therapy may be given alone or in combination with surgery and\/or chemotherapy.\"\r\n               },\r\n               {\r\n                  \"@type\": \"MedicalTherapy\",\r\n                  \"name\": \"Chemotherapy\",\r\n                  \"description\": \"Chemotherapy involves the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. In most cases, chemotherapy works by interfering with the cancer cell\u2019s ability to grow or reproduce. Different groups of drugs work in different ways to fight cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given alone, or in combination with surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy and radiation can sometimes be given before surgery to shrink the tumor, making the surgery easier to perform.\"\r\n               },\r\n               {\r\n                  \"@type\": \"MedicalTherapy\",\r\n                  \"name\": \"Medication\",\r\n                  \"description\": \"Your GI cancer team at the Saint John\u2019s Cancer Institute will recommend a treatment plan appropriate for your pancreatic cancer.\"\r\n               }\r\n            ],\r\n            \"study\": {\r\n               \"@type\": \"MedicalStudy\",\r\n               \"healthCondition\": \"Pancreatic Cancer Treatment\",\r\n               \"sponsor\": \"Saint John's Cancer Institute\",\r\n               \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/gastrointestinal\/research-and-clinical-trials\/current-clinical-trials\/\"\r\n            }\r\n         },\r\n         \"isPartOf\": {\r\n            \"@type\": \"WebSite\",\r\n            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/#webpage\",\r\n            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/\",\r\n            \"name\": \"Saint John's Cancer Institute\",\r\n            \"keywords\": [\r\n               \"Pancreatic Cancer Treatment\"\r\n            ],\r\n            \"accessMode\": \"visual\",\r\n            \"audience\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\/Patient\",\r\n            \"publisher\": {\r\n               \"@type\": \"MedicalOrganization\",\r\n               \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/#MedicalOrganization\",\r\n               \"name\": \"Saint John's Cancer Institute\",\r\n               \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/\",\r\n               \"address\": {\r\n                  \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\",\r\n                  \"addressLocality\": \"Santa Monica\",\r\n                  \"addressRegion\": \"CA\",\r\n                  \"postalCode\": \"90404\",\r\n                  \"streetAddress\": \"2200 Santa Monica\"\r\n               },\r\n               \"areaServed\": \"US\",\r\n               \"contactPoint\": [\r\n                  {\r\n                     \"@type\": \"ContactPoint\",\r\n                     \"telephone\": \"+1-310-315-6125\",\r\n                     \"contactType\": \"Main Facility\"\r\n                  }\r\n               ],\r\n               \"foundingDate\": \"1991\",\r\n               \"legalName\": \"Saint John's Cancer Institute\",\r\n               \"description\": \"In 1991, the John Wayne Cancer Institute launched a successful affiliation with Saint John\u2019s Health Center and opened in Santa Monica, California. 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